Acid Reflux or GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is caused when the valve between the oesophagus and stomach becomes weak. Normally, this valve opens to allow the food in, and then it closes firmly.
But when you have GERD, the valve stays open, allowing stomach acids to flow back up into the oesophagus, causing heartburn and many other symptoms, which we will discuss later. It leads to a condition in which the contents of the stomach regurgitate (backs up or refluxes) into the oesophagus.
Acid reflux occurs when acid from your stomach flows back to your food pipe or oesophagus. This backflow causes a feeling of burning in your chest called heartburn. In Ayurveda, acid reflux is mostly associated with an imbalance in Pitta dosha, the dosha responsible for heat and digestion in your body. If your Pitta is too strong, it leads to excessive acid buildup in your stomach.
The most common reasons for acid reflux are :
If left untreated, chronic acid reflux may lead to more serious ailments such as esophageal damage, respiratory problems and severe digestive distress. Prolonged inflammation following gastric acid exposure may result in:
Although mild cases of acid reflux can be managed through lifestyle changes and Ayurvedic home remedies, it’s important to know when professional medical advice becomes necessary. Here are some key signals that it is time to consult a certified Ayurveda Doctor:
Persistent Symptoms
If you have recurring acid reflux symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, or a burning sensation in the chest for more than two weeks, it is important to seek medical help. Persistent symptoms may indicate more serious conditions that might require focused Ayurvedic treatment.
Difficulty Swallowing
If swallowing becomes painful or if the food feels stuck in your throat or chest, this could be due to damage in the oesophagus caused by stomach acid. Prompt medical attention is needed if this condition, also called esophagitis, develops.
Nighttime Symptoms
It is important to visit an Ayurveda doctor if you experience acid reflux symptoms which wake you up at night or make sleep impossible. Nighttime acid reflux can result in erosion of the lining of the oesophagus, causing significant discomfort.
Unintended Weight Loss or Loss of Appetite
It includes a substantial loss of appetite as eating becomes difficult, and this may be associated with unintended weight loss, indicating grave health implications which are related to GERD.
Increasing Pain or Discomfort
Increased pain in the abdomen that extends to the back, neck, jaw and arm could be a sign of a serious underlying condition requiring immediate attention.
One of the most common signs is a burning sensation in the chest, usually after eating, which might be worse at night.
Sometimes the burning feels like chest pain and can be mistaken for a heart problem.
Difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia): You might feel like food is stuck in your throat or that it is going down very slowly.
This is when food or a sour liquid rises from your stomach into your mouth or throat and you feel a sour taste in your mouth.
These are signs of gas build-up from poor digestion or acid pushing back up.
You may feel heavy or bloated even after you eat small meals.
Excess acid build-up could result in coughing or a hoarse voice along with persistent dry cough or sore throat.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of Acid Reflux using time-tested Ayurvedic remedies. Our treatment plans are made specifically to target the root causes of Acid Reflux, and instead of just focusing on treating the symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, overall balance and stability.
Ayurveda provides effective herbal remedies that cool your stomach, improve digestion and reduce acid production naturally. These herbs not only provide instant relief but address the underlying cause by balancing your doshas (mainly Pitta which is the root of heat and acidity). Here, we have mentioned some of the best Ayurvedic remedies for acid reflux and heartburn:
Pippali is an Ayurvedic spice known to improve digestion and reduce acid formation. It balances your Pitta dosha and eases the burning sensation in the chest. To use, mix 1 teaspoon of Pippali powder with a little honey in warm water. Drink it after meals to reduce your acid reflux.
Tulsi contains natural oils that calm your stomach, reduce gas formation, and prevent bloating. It also controls excess acid and soothes your digestive tract. You can drink tulsi tea after meals or chew 5-6 fresh leaves daily to relieve heartburn.
Cardamom contains antioxidants and vitamins that help in digestion. It helps reduce nausea, removes the bitter taste in your mouth, and cools your stomach. You can chew some cardamom pods after your meals to help digest the food.
Ash gourds are full of water and natural cooling agents. It flushes out toxins, lowers acid levels, and prevents vomiting and constipation. Try to drink a glass of ash gourd juice every morning on an empty stomach to soothe acid reflux.
Aloe vera has healing properties that can reduce inflammation and neutralise stomach acid. It also repairs the damage done to your stomach lining due to acidity. Drink aloe vera juice before or with meals to avoid heartburn and aid digestion.
Jeera is good for people who struggle with frequent acidity. It helps with digestion and regulates excess stomach acid production. You can easily make cumin water by mixing 1/2 tsp jeera powder into 1 litre of hot water. Filter and drink this during the day instead of normal water.
Mulethi is a sweet-tasting root with anti-acid properties. It creates a protective layer in your stomach and helps prevent acid from causing irritation in the stomach. To use, mix 1/2 tsp mulethi powder with honey to make a paste. Take this twice daily after your meals.
Fennel is a renowned herb in Ayurveda as it helps calm the stomach lining, controls gas, and fights acidity. It also freshens your breath and helps in digestion. Try chewing a spoonful of fennel seeds after meals for instant relief from acidity.
Mint is believed to reduce stomach acid and cool the stomach. It relaxes the muscles in your digestive tract and relieves the burning sensation. To use, boil chopped mint leaves in water. Let it cool and drink slowly after meals.
Cloves increase saliva production, which helps in digestion and reduces acid buildup. Cloves also contain essential oils that help balance the stomach environment. Try placing a clove in your mouth and chew slowly when you feel acidity.
Ginger aids in digestion and absorption of nutrients by your body. It also produces more mucus that protects your stomach lining. To use ginger, you can chew a piece of raw ginger, drink ginger tea, or add it to meals.
Buttermilk is a natural coolant and probiotic. It cools the stomach, improves gut bacteria, and prevents acid buildup. For better results, add cumin, fenugreek and turmeric to half a glass of buttermilk and drink it at night.
Bananas contain a good amount of potassium and fibre. They neutralise stomach acid and improve bowel movements, which is important for acid reflux management. Eat one ripe banana every day, preferably in the morning or between meals.
These Ayurvedic herbs and home remedies can help reduce acidity and improve your digestive health with time.
Other than these natural herbs, Ayurveda approaches acid reflux treatment by balancing the Pitta dosha through:
Nadi Pariksha
Starting with Nadi Pariksha, Jiva's certified Ayurvedic doctors use this traditional pulse diagnosis to detect imbalances and assess organ health,crucial for diagnosing Acid reflux symptoms and root causes accurately.
Prakriti Analysis
Understanding your unique physical and psychological pattern allows us to create an Acid reflux treatment plan that not only addresses symptoms but aligns with your inherent constitution for lasting health.
Samprapti Ghatak (Pathogenesis)
In our investigations, we examine the if and how Acid Reflux is progressing by the dietary, lifestyle, and psychosocial aspects, identifying individual factors for customised intervention and pinpointing specific triggers for targeted treatment.
Chikitsa Sutra - Personalised Treatment Plan
After that, we create a detailed plan for authentic Ayurvedic treatment of Acid reflux, which consists of diet modifications, lifestyle adjustments, herbal medications, and specific therapies that aim to restore dosha balance and enhance digestive health.
Continuous Monitoring & Amendments
Continuous tracking of treatment effectiveness allows us to make necessary adjustments, ensuring that you achieve the best results from your personalised Acid Reflux treatment plan with Jiva's ongoing support.
87% of patients rate us excellent in service.
78% of patients saw significant improvement in 3 months of treatment.
92% of patients stopped allopathic medicines completely.
In Ayurveda, heartburn often has a link with an aggravated Pitta dosha that could be a result of several factors, such as consumption of hot food, an irregular dietary.
Yes, Ayurvedic treatment for acid reflux aims to balance the Pitta dosha through dietary changes, herbal medicines, lifestyle modifications, and Panchakarma therapies, in particular, that are personalised according to one’s Prakriti and, so, give long-lasting relief.
Yes, lifestyle modifications such as following regular timings for meals should be maintained; light, cool foods must be consumed during meal times, while stress also has to be dealt with efficiently so as to reduce problems related to acid reflux or GERD at an early stage.
Yes, certain herbs like Amla, Liquorice Root, and Shatavari are useful in cooling and calming down the digestive tract and controlling acid reflux symptoms.
Ayurveda advises against eating hot, spicy, fried foods, which aggravate Pitta. Instead, go for cold, soothing foods like coconut water, cucumbers, melons etc.
Improvement varies depending on the individual Prakriti type and severity of the condition. Many patients experience perceptible benefits within a three-month time span of consistent intake of ayurvedic medicines and following the suggested recommendations.
Though manageable through proper care, failure to address it early can lead to more severe complications such as esophagitis and Barrett’s oesophagus.
Yes, emotional distress is thought to significantly disrupt Pitta, leading to symptoms of heartburn
Panchakarma techniques, like Virechana (purification), can be used to cleanse the body of Pitta build-up and relieve acidity.
No, these are individualised based on a person’s Prakriti and imbalances. What may be effective for one person might not be so for another.
